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Justice News

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Air Force Senior Airman Convicted Of Child Sex Offense

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Air Force Senior Airman Jason Alan Hargrove (27, Brandon) guilty of attempted enticement of a child for sex. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2014. Hargrove was indicted on January 8, 2014.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Hargrove posted an advertisement on a public website soliciting members of the public for sex. He attached a picture of his genitalia to the posting. An undercover officer, posing as a 14-year-old female in the 9th grade, responded to Hargrove’s posting, expressing interest. Upon learning the purported “child’s” age, Hargrove attempted to induce the “child” to engage in sexual acts with him, and discussed various sex acts with the “child.” Additionally, Hargrove repeatedly requested to visit the “child’s” home when he believed her mother wasn’t present. On October 27, 2013, Hargrove drove to what he believed to be the “child’s” home to engage in sexual acts with the “child” and was arrested.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.

It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.